The cost-effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy following acute myocardial infarction

The increasing use of thrombolytic therapy following acute myocardial infarction has given rise to value for money questions. This study examines the cost-effectiveness of the thrombolytic agent anistreplase (Eminase). Using clinical trial data on the efficacy of anistreplase compared to placebo, and retrospectively obtained cost data from the National Health Service, the study estimates the cost per life-year saved of using this therapeutic agent. The results suggest that the cost-effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy compares favourably with that of other forms of coronary disease treatment. The study concludes that comparisons of the relative cost-effectiveness of different thrombolytic agents are an obvious next step, once full results from recent clinical trials are available.